SpaceX successfully launched 26 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California

On June 16, 2025, SpaceX conducted a successful Falcon 9 rocket launch, deploying 26 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The liftoff occurred at 8:36 p.m. PDT from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E).

This mission, designated Starlink Group 15-9, marked SpaceX’s 73rd Falcon 9 launch of 2025, with 54 of those dedicated to expanding the Starlink constellation.

The Falcon 9’s first stage, booster B1093, marked its third mission and safely touched down on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship in the Pacific Ocean roughly 8.5 minutes following launch.

The satellites were deployed approximately one hour after launch, contributing to SpaceX’s Starlink megaconstellation, which now exceeds 7,600 operational satellites, aimed at providing global high-speed internet.

Residents in Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may have experienced sonic booms during the launch, depending on weather conditions.